CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2014	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2014	May 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 50,557	$ (92,983)	$ 127,986	$ (28,205)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	25	(5,570)	21,342	(5,426)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans	51	431	151	736
Cash flow hedges	96	171	79	(74)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	172	(4,968)	21,572	(4,764)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 50,729	$ (97,951)	$ 149,558	$ (32,969)